Link



Dec. 19, 1922. 1,438,977. R. T. ASHLEY.

LiNK.

FILED JAN. 30. 1920.

. //v MENTOR 2/ RAYMOND I ASHLEY Arron: r.

Patented Dec. l9,

RAYMOND 'r. AsHLnY, or RENO, NEVADA.

LINK.

Application filed January 30, 1920. Serial No. 355,367.

useful improvement in links, and the same may be adapted to many uses such as a conveyor belt link, atract'or link f the selflaying track type, a sprocket chain or any other similar. use. i

The principal object of this invention is to provide a link which will be a unit structure.

Another object of this invention is to produce a link which will be comparatively free from friction.

Another object is to produce a link which will be cheap to manufacture.

Another object is to produce a link which may be readily replaced should breakage occur.

Another object is to produce a link wherein the ordinary assembling bolts and nuts have been eliminated. I

Other objects and advantages of this invention will be seen as the description proceeds.

lln this specification and the annexed drawings, the invention is illustrated in the form considered to be the best, but it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to such form, because it may be embodied in other forms, and it is also to be understood that in and by the claims following the description it is desired to cover the invention in whatsoever form it may be embodied.

In the drawings Figure 1 is a top plan view of three links in assembled position.

Figure 2 is a cross section taken on the line ill-11 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of one of my links partly in cross section.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a rocker bar.

Referring to the drawings, like numerals refer to corresponding parts in the several views.

The numerals 5, 6 and 7 refer to links as a whole. These links are provided with a .55 flat central portion 8 and are provided along their outer margins with tracks 9 and 11 formed integral with the flat portion 8, and

raised above the plane of the same are two inclined portions 12 and 13, provided with anarcuate end 16. These portions 12 and 13 are connected qbya bridge portion 14, which is crescent shape incross section, also ofthe same contour as the portion 16. Cilhis portion 14 is .for nedon an arc, as shown at 17. A tongue18 is formed integral with the fiat portion 8 and ,upon the opposite end from ,that of the bridge, At. 19 I .show a a ,curved portion followingthe contour 16 but spaced therefrom. The numeral 21 refers to a rocker bar formed upon one side upon the arc of the outer circle 16, as shown. at 22. Its opposite side is formed upon. an epicycloid curve, as shown at 23.

In assembling a chain composed of my links, a rocker bar is placed against the curved portion 17 so that the outer curve 22 of the rocker extends toward the hook 18. The hook of the link next to be attached is then guided through the opening 2 1 and around the rocker bar which will then become enclosed by the bridge 14 and the hook 18 of the adjacent link. This assembly will result in a structure as shown in Figure 2, consequently the rocker 21 will take the position shown at- A Figure 2 when the links are in alignment. When the links are bent as in passing around a sprocket, shown in dotted lines in Figure 2, the rocker will take the position E, Figure 2.

By providing this link contact, it will be seen that I have eliminated the usual com struction which would be present were the member 14 circular in form.

It will thus be seen that I have formed a link, which when assembled with other links, forms an efiicient chain without the necessity of other parts. When this chain is pass ing over a sprocket wheel, the teeth thereof will contact with the portion 16 or with the hook 18 as the case may be, thereby providing an efiicient driving means, and if it is desired to use the same upon a sprocket wheel, the tracks 9 and 11 will form a continuous supporting surface for the usual tension wheels, while the driving sprocket wheels operate as before described.

Having thus described my invention what 1 claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is as follows i 1. In a link, a hook at one end, a bridge portion at the other end, and a connection between those members, said members and connection formed integrally, and said bridge portion provided with an arcuate depression for the reception of a rocker mem her, and a rocker member adapted to rest in the space produced by said depression .be tween the hook and the bridge of an interlocking link.

2. In a link, a flat portion, tracks adjacent the outer margins of said flat portion, a hook at one end of said link and between said tracks, a bridge portion at the other end of said link formed integrally there with, saidbridge portion being provided with an arcuate depression for the reception of a rocker member.

. 3. In a link, azflat portion, tracks adjacent the outer margin of said flat portion, an upstanding hook at one end of said link midway between said track portions, inclined portions extending toward the opposite end of said link from said hook, a bridge portion connecting said'inclined portions and integral therewith, said inclined portions and said bridge having an arcuate end contour, said bridge portion having an arcuate depression on its innerside, and a rocker bar having an epicycloid surface, said bar edges, said parts formed-integrally, and said bridge portion having-an arcuate de-' pression for the reception of a rocker member, and a rocker member adapted to rest in the space produced by said depression between the hook and the bridge of an interlocking link.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

RAYMOND T. ASHLEY. 

